[lug] Digital Cameras and Linux

[Ed Hill]

On Fri, 2002-06-07 at 12:18, Bryan Field-Elliot wrote:
> 
> Is this a no-brainer or is this a difficult choice? I just have no idea.
> Input would be greatly appreciated.


Hi Brian,

I've setup a half-dozen digital cameras in labs with computer control
(Linux, of course) to capture and download images at regular intervals
to create time-lapse digital movies of various experiments (using
OpenDigita, gphoto, gphoto2, and jPhoto for the drivers).  I've also
taken these cameras out in the field and used them like everyday folks.

Based on those experiences, I can make the following recommendations:

  Excellent camera:  Kodak DC-4800

  OK cameras:  Kodak DC-265/290, DC-240

  Avoid at all costs:  all the current Kodak DX-series cameras 
                       are *awful* with Linux

I've only used Kodaks, but I'll soon be switching to another brand since
all their new "consumer-grade" models are low-quality with really cheap 
(read: missing important features) firmware.  Its a shame to see their
quality plummet.

hth,
Ed

ps - If you can get a used or refurbished Kodak DC-4800, its a very 
     nice model.


-- 
Edward H. Hill III, PhD    |  Email:       ed at eh3.com, ehill at mines.edu
Post-Doctoral Researcher   |  URLs:        http://www.eh3.com
Division of ESE            |   http://wasser.mines.edu/people/edhill.php
Colorado School of Mines   |  Phone:       303-273-3483
Golden, CO  80401          |  Fax:         303-273-3311
Key fingerprint = 5BDE 4DA1 66BE 4F7B BC17  3A0C 932B 7266 1E76 F123